Manny Machado is the top shortstop in the Minors today. Hailing from Miami, Machaco demonstrates excellent hands and feet in the field. He is very fluid at the plate with excellent bat speed and control. He has plenty of arm to stay at short, and his in-game hack hints at plus power in the future.

For an 18-year-old, Machado has phenomenal baseball instincts and should adjust quickly to the professional game. While he was on the field for only nine professional games in 2010, he was able to slash .345/.406/.448 in 36 AB’s. Machado is the top prospect in the Orioles’ organization, but his talent has no equal amongst Minor League shortstops, and his $5.25 million bonus suggests the O’s have no shortage of confidence in Machado’s promise.

As a former member of the Florida Legends club, Machado was brought up in one of the finest organizations in the nation and is very prepared for his first full season of professional baseball.